Enjoy the World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko and the great nature of Akan and Kushiro!

Enjoy the World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko and the great nature of Akan and Kushiro!
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
3 days and 2 nights
Main methods of transportation
Car

[3 days/2 nights]  Enjoy the great nature of East Hokkaido, including the World Natural Heritage sites of Shiretoko, Akan and Mashu areas, and Kushiro!

In this model course, you can fully enjoy spectacular scenery, gourmet food, activities, and culture.

Enjoy an exhilarating drive in a rental car while touring around. You will be able to experience the grandeur of Hokkaido.


  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1
Arrive at Memanbetsu Airport, the "gateway to the Okhotsk area". Rent a car and depart!

(From Memanbetsu Airport)
About 60 minutes

The Road to the Sky

A road with spectacular views in Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site

It is a straight road of about 28 km from Route 244, the entrance to the Shiretoko Peninsula, to Shari-cho on Route 334. The road was named "The Road to the Sky" because the end of the straight road looks as if it goes all the way to heaven. The road stretches to the horizon, offering a spectacular view that seems to symbolize the vastness of Hokkaido.

Address
斜里町峰浜
Telephone Number
0152-22-2125
About 30 minutes by car

Utoro Gyokyo Fujinbu Shokudo

Enjoy an exquisite lunch!

It is a small diner with only 20 counter seats in a small building. It is located right next to Utoro Fishing Port.The diner is run by the wives of local fishermen and offers a menu of fresh seafood landed at Utoro Harbor.From May to August, the restaurant is crowded with people in search of sea urchins, which are in season.

Address
斜里町ウトロ東117
Telephone Number
0152-24-2011(JF Utoro Fishery Cooperative Association)
Open
End of Apr. to end of Oct. (8:30 - last order at 14:30)
Closed
Irregular holiday
About 5 minutes by car

Shiretoko Sightseeing Cruise

See the World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko from the sea!

On this cruise, you can experience Shiretoko's rugged cliff scenery and brown bear watching. It is an impressive and dynamic way to experience Shiretoko from the sea. You will be able to see spectacular scenery that can only be seen from the ship, as well as rare glimpses of the robust wildlife.

Address
斜里町本町29番地8
Telephone Number
0152-22-2125(ShiretokoSharicho Tourism Association)
About 10 minutes by car

Yūhidai

Spectacular sunset spot

Yūhidai is a spot where you can watch the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk. During the drift ice season, the white surface of the sea changes to a golden color. It is located on a hill about 15 minutes on foot from the Utoro Bus Terminal, and is part of the national Shiretoko Campground.

Address
斜里町ウトロ香川
Telephone Number
0152-22-2125(ShiretokoSharicho Tourism Association)
Open
Late Apr. - early Dec. (snow-free season)
[Accommodation] Utoro Hot Spring resort
Day2
About 25 minutes by car

Shiretoko Goko Lakes strolling (guided tour)

Five lakes at the foot of the Shiretoko mountain range

From the observation platform on the elevated wooden walkway, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ichi Lake and the Shiretoko Mountain Range. If you want to take your time and enjoy nature, we recommend the guided tour through the above-ground promenade. (Advance reservations required.) Depending on your time and physical strength, you can choose between two walking tours to fully enjoy Shiretoko's natural beauty.

Address
斜里町字岩尾別
Telephone Number
0152-24-3323(Shiretoko Goko field house)

Lunch at Shiretoko Goko Park Service Center

Enjoy local delicacies and limited-edition goods!

Shiretoko Goko Park Service Center is a souvenir store adjacent to Shiretoko Goko Field House. It sells products incorporating fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood from the Shiretoko wilderness. The "Mega Ezo Deer Burger," which is four times the size of a regular burger, and the "Hamanas cowberry mix soft serve ice cream" are very popular.

Address
斜里町岩尾別知床五湖
Telephone Number
0152-24-2299(Shiretoko Goko Park Service Center)
Open
8:00-17:00
Closed
Early Nov. - Late Apr. (closed during winter)
About 120 minutes by car

Lake Mashu

One of the clearest in the world

Lake Mashu is characterized by its unique blue color, known as "Mashu blue. It is called "Kamuito (Lake of God)" in the Ainu language. The surrounding area is untouched and untouched by nature. The lake can be viewed from three observation decks, and the mountains surrounding the lake and the clouds reflecting on the surface of the water create a more mystical atmosphere.

Address
弟子屈町原野
Telephone Number
015-482-1530
About 60 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Lake Akan Hot Spring

One of the best hot spring resorts in East Hokkaido, where Ainu culture and rich nature combine

Lake Akan is home to marimo, a special natural treasure. It boasts high-quality hot springs. It is also a popular tourist destination where visitors can feel the Ainu culture close at hand. Visitors can relax at the free hand and foot baths scattered around the area, and enjoy picking out souvenirs at the well-stocked folk craft stores.

Address
釧路市阿寒町阿寒湖温泉
Telephone Number
0154-67-3200
About 10 minutes on foot

Lake Akan Ainu Theater Icolo

Experience the daily life and culture of the Ainu people

At Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, visitors can watch traditional "Ainu ancient dance," which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. At the Lake Akan Ainu Theater "Icolo," visitors can enjoy a performance that combines ancient dance, modern dance and digital art. There are also a variety of hands-on programs (reservations required for groups of two or more) such as making traditional musical instruments, wood carving, and embroidering Ainu patterns.

Address
釧路市阿寒町阿寒湖温泉4丁目7-84
Telephone Number
0154-67-2727(Lake Akan Ainu Kotan)
Day3
About 140 minutes by car

Hosooka Observatory

Popular and spectacular viewpoint located on the east side of Kushiro Marsh

Hosooka Observatory is also known as "Daikanbou. You can see the Kushiro River, the Kushiro Marshlands, and the mountains rising in the distance. At the Hosooka Visitors Lounge near the observatory, you can enjoy soft ice cream and take a relaxing break while viewing the marshlands.

Address
釧路町字達古武22-9
Telephone Number
0154-40-4455
Open
Depends on season
About 50 minutes by car

Kushiro Washo Ichiba Market

Make your own original rice bowl to suit your taste!

Kushiro Washo Ichiba Market is the oldest market in Kushiro with about 50 stores. The specialty of the market is "katte-don," a bowl of rice topped with seafood bought at the market and served with any toppings you like. In addition to seafood, the market also offers a wide selection of sweets and Hokkaido specialties, making it a perfect place to pick out souvenirs.

Open
8:00-18:00, (Jan.-Mar.) 8:00-17:00
Closed
Sundays (open on certain days, please inquire)
(Parking in the city)
Walking

Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO

A landmark of Kushiro adjacent to the Nusamai Bridge

It is a tourist facility where you can enjoy Kushiro's gourmet food and shopping. It is popular among locals and tourists alike. There are food stalls and robatayaki restaurants where you can taste Kushiro's specialty, zangi, and various set menus.

At night, the building is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere in combination with the Nusamai Bridge, which is also known as a famous sunset spot. Please enjoy taking pictures as a memory of your trip.

Address
釧路市錦町2-4
Telephone Number
0154-23-0600
Open
10:00-19:00 (9:00- in Jul. and Aug.)
Closed
Open all year round(maintenance closures occur in Jan. and Nov.)
(From Kushiro City)
About 40 minutes by car 

(Return rental car)
Kushiro Airport
Goal
  • The Road to the Sky
  • Utoro Gyokyo Fujinbu Shokudo
  • Shiretoko Sightseeing Cruise
  • Yūhidai
  • Shiretoko Goko Lakes strolling (guided tour)
  • Lunch at Shiretoko Goko Park Service Center
  • Lake Mashu
  • [Accommodation] Lake Akan Hot Spring
  • Lake Akan Ainu Theater Icolo
  • Hosooka Observatory
  • Kushiro Washo Ichiba Market
  • Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO

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